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Buying a home is one of the most important purchases that most people make. Getting the best deal on financing is something that is imperative in regards to making the most out of a purchase. That’s why researching home loans and finding the one that is best for you should be the one of the first steps that a prospective homeowner takes. There are many different types of home loans and also numerous factors that determine which loan would work in a particular situation.

Knowing your credit score before you even go a bank or mortgage company is imperative. People with high credit scores are most likely to get lower interests rates and to be approved for higher loan amounts.

Besides the credit score, having a steady job will also influence the type of loan you receive. Most banks and lenders will want to see copies of your W-2s, your tax papers and possibly your pay check stubs. Having a steady job shows you not only have a sense of responsibility, it shows you can pay back the loan.

Although a down payment is not an absolute must-have nowadays, it can certainly make life easier in some ways. Having a large down payment can negate the need for PMI or private mortgage insurance. It can also lower the amount of the monthly payment.

Some borrowers will often have a balloon payment at the end of the mortgage contract. Most of the time, the lenders will allow the balloon payment to be refinanced and paid over an agreed amount of time.

There are a couple other types of loans that are frequently offered to buyers. One of them is known as an Adjustable rate mortgage which has an interest rate that fluctuates with the market. It causes the mortgage payment to vary each month. Another offer that most banks and lenders are known as an interest only loans. This is when the buyer pays only on the interest for a contracted amount of time. After that period of time, they are paying on the home.

Overall, home loans can be somewhat confusing, especially for first time buyers. It is a good idea to know your credit score and to have a strong grasp of your current financial situation. Talking to a few different lenders and researching your options is a good place to start.

Graham McKenzie is the content coordinator for a leading South African leading Homeloan and Bond Origination portal which provides access to Nedbank Homeloan.